One of the first places where I felt completely free to be myself was the “Art Shack” in the Northeast Georgia mountains at Camp Mikell. There was no pressure, no comparison—just pure joy in making things together. We shared whatever supplies we had (nothing fancy), and that made it feel even more special. The building itself was old and simple, perched over a little creek. I can still remember the earthy smell of the woods and the breeze drifting through. Artwork hung from clotheslines on the porch, and we’d all sign our names on the walls inside. It gave us this sweet feeling of belonging, like we’d always be part of the place. That same spirit of openness and creativity is something I wanted to bring to The Smiley Manse.
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